Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Harrisburg to Durham can be as low as $1,197 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,205.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $413 to $968. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Durham

Moving from Harrisburg to Durham comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Durham is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Harrisburg Durham
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,699
Average home value $230,038 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $5,945
Unemployment rate 13.4% 4.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.5%
State income tax 3.07% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 42% higher than in Harrisburg, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Harrisburg.
    Home prices in Durham are 70.3% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Durham is 441.0% higher than in Harrisburg, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 51.6% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Durham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Durham is 64.6% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 69.40% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 25.00% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Durham are 46.58% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,547.86 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Durham

Durham Harrisburg
Population 283,506 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 30 68
Bike friendliness score 38 57
Crime Index 54.72 64.18
Safety Index 45.28 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Durham's population is about 466% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
  • Durham is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • Durham has a bike-friendliness score 38 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
  • Durham's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 54.72 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Durham is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 45.28 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. Durham move

  • Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toDurham Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Durham

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "City of The Viper" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Durham to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Golden Belt
  • City Center
  • Central Park
  • Chapel Hill
  • Northgate Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Treyburn
  • American Village/Arrowhead
  • Willowhaven
  • Fieldstone by the Eno
  • Hope Valley Farms

Things to do in Durham

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Durham has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Durham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, and Golden Belt.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to Durham?

The best time to move from Harrisburg to Durham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Harrisburg.

When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to Durham?

Because most people are moving from Harrisburg to Durham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Harrisburg to Durham take?

The 369-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Durham, NC, takes one to four days. Some Harrisburg movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.

Helpful moving resources